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Structuralaka: PTaka: post-tensioned concrete

Post-Tensioning

In Plain English

A technique that strengthens concrete by stretching steel cables through it after the concrete hardens.

Definition

A method of reinforcing concrete by tensioning high-strength steel tendons after the concrete has been placed and gained sufficient strength. Post-tensioning reduces cracking, deflection, and the volume of concrete required by placing the concrete in compression. It is widely used in parking structures, bridges, elevated slabs, and long-span floors.

Why It Matters in Bidding

Post-tensioning is a specialty scope priced largely by the PT subcontractor, so GCs must coordinate it tightly with the concrete and rebar scopes to avoid gaps in pour-back, stressing, and inspection responsibility. Because PT reduces concrete and steel quantities, it's a frequent value-engineering alternate, but estimators must capture stressing labor, tendon material, and the sequencing impact on the formwork cycle.

Example

Pricing an elevated parking deck, an estimator carries the PT sub's quote per square foot of slab, then confirms whose scope includes tendon stressing, grouting, and the structural-engineer inspection before stripping forms.

Related Terms

Pre-Stressed ConcreteConcrete SlabDead LoadSpan

Frequently Asked Questions

PT subs typically quote per square foot of slab or per pound of tendon, covering tendons, anchors, placement, and stressing. GCs add concrete, formwork, and any pour-back. Estimators confirm whether grouting, stressing inspection, and elongation records are in the sub's scope to avoid carrying duplicate or missing line items.
Because tendons place concrete in compression, PT spans farther with thinner slabs and less rebar and concrete, often lowering material cost and structure depth. Estimators present it as a VE alternate against conventionally reinforced slabs, weighing the specialty-sub premium and stressing schedule against the savings in concrete volume and floor-to-floor height.
Define clearly who handles tendon layout, stressing, elongation documentation, grouting of bonded systems, and pocket pour-back. Sequencing affects the formwork reshoring cycle because slabs can't be stripped until tendons are stressed to required strength. Gaps between the PT sub, rebar sub, and concrete crew create change orders and schedule slips after award.

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